First Congressional District Art Competition names local winners
Washington, D.C. – Halle Riddle, winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Mississippi’s First Congressional District, traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to be recognized at the national awards ceremony. Her winning piece, Tunnel Vision, will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol for one year. During her visit, Riddle met with U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1).
The Booneville High School senior is the first place winner of the First Congressional District Art Competition. The drawing entitled “Tunnel Vision” is a charcoal drawing of a glass vase. Halle said it took four weeks to complete her submission. “I’m a perfectionist about an art piece,” said Halle. “I’ve been interested in art for as long as I can remember.” Halle said Booneville High School Teacher Marie Hughes has been a major influence for her. “She really influenced my love for art, beginning with my first year in the High School Gifted Class.”
A native of Booneville, Riddle created Tunnel Vision using black charcoal and white chalk. As part of her award, she received two airline tickets to attend the ceremony in the nation’s capital. She was accompanied by family members Jase Riddle, Mollie Anna Riddle, Kami Caver, and Jim Caver.
“This event was incredibly captivating and inspiring. I was in awe by having my artwork displayed in the Capitol Building. I enjoyed exploring the Capitol and meeting many other talented artists who were in similar positions. It was an unforgettable experience,” Riddle said. “I am deeply grateful for being selected for this honor and the opportunities it has afforded me. The inspiration I gained will undoubtedly influence my future as both an artist and an individual.”
Riddles mother, Kami Caver, shared her appreciation as well. “This was our first trip to Washington, and Rep. Kelly and his office made us feel right at home. They were so gracious with their time during the office visit and Capitol tour. It’s an experience our family will cherish forever.”
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event that highlights and encourages the creative talents of high school students across the country. One winner is selected from each Congressional District.
Additional First District artist recognized in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition
2nd Place Winner: Corinth High School student Annie Stanley
3rd Place Winner: homeschool student from DeSoto County Isabella Hancock
4th Place Winner: Booneville High School student Cara Breedlove
5th Place Winner: New Albany High School student Katie Flores
6th Place Winner: Hickory Flat High School student Emma Rocker
More about the Congressional Art Competition
Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute. The contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent across the nation, as well as in our congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit the official Congressional Art Competition page.
The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in the First District. The over-all winner of our district’s competition will be displayed for eleven months in the Cannon Tunnel that leads into the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will also include artwork from other contest winners nationwide. Additionally, winners will receive two plane tickets to travel to D.C. for the awards ceremony in June.
Art entered in the contest may be up to 26″ x 26″ and 4″ deep (with frame if winner). The artwork may be:
Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
Collage
Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
Mixed Media
Computer Generated Art
Photography
All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.
Contact information:
Please call Melinda Whited at (662) 687-1525 for additional information.
